| MATCHUP | Eastern Illinois Panthers | SIU-Edwardsville Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-19 | 19-12 |
| Spread | +5.5 -105 | -5.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +205 | -250 |
| Total | Over 127.5 (-110) | Under 127.5 (-110) |
| Where | Ford Center, Evansville, IN | |
| When | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Eastern Illinois Panthers and SIU Edwardsville Cougars meet Wednesday in the college basketball OVC Championship at the Ford Center. Here’s an Eastern Illinois vs. SIU-Edwardsville prediction. This article will include an Eastern Illinois vs. SIU-Edwardsville pick.
Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview
The Eastern Illinois Panthers lost to SIU Edwardsville and beat Lindenwood. Eastern Illinois has lost 3 of its last 4 games.
The Eastern Illinois Panthers are averaging 70 points on 42.7 percent shooting and allowing 73.5 points on 43.1 percent shooting. Zion Fruster is averaging 14.8 points and 2.5 assists, while Andre Washington is averaging 10.5 points and 1.9 rebounds. Meechie White is grabbing 3.9 rebounds and Kooper Jacobi is dishing 2 assists. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are shooting 32.3 percent from beyond the arc and 73.8 percent from the free throw line. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.6 rebounds per game.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars Betting Preview
The SIU Edwardsville Cougars beat Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois. SIU Edwardsville has won 6 of its last 9 games.
The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are averaging 73.3 points on 44.7 percent shooting and allowing 66.4 points on 39.1 percent shooting. Ring Malith is averaging 17 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Myles Thompson is averaging 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. Tyler King is grabbing 2.4 rebounds and Jack Campion is dishing 4.9 assists. The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 67.4 percent from the free throw line. The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are allowing 29.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game.
Why the SIU Edwardsville Cougars will win
- SIU Edwardsville has won each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Eastern Illinois has lost five of its last six games at Ford Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- SIU Edwardsville has won the first half in five of its last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of Eastern Illinois’ last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 138+ points.
- Twenty-seven of SIU Edwardsville’s last 36 night games against conference opponents have produced a total of 128+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- SIU Edwardsville ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (39.1%).
- SIU Edwardsville ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goals made per game this season (22.2).
Eastern Illinois vs SIU-Edwardsville Prediction
Eastern Illinois has lost 7 of its last 10 games and has had issues finding easy offense in those games. I doubt things improve on a neutral site. These teams also played a few days ago and SIU-Edwardsville won by 27 points. Eastern Illinois scored 50 points on 38 percent shooting from the field and 16 percent from three. Yuck. I don’t believe the gap is going to close that much or Eastern Illinois will figure out how to make shots. I’ll lay the points with SIU-Edwardsville.